Maintain your ride with pride
Motorcycle ownership comes with many benefits that range from the freedom of the road to being able to tell the tale of your last epic adventure at the office on Monday but there is another element that many don't think about.
Related: What are the maintenance costs associated with owning a motorcycle in South Africa?
Working on your own bike can be incredibly rewarding for bike owners, but what maintenance is there? After chatting with many two-wheel owners, we have come up with a list of 10 essential maintenance tasks that every owner should be doing.
What are the signs of motorbike engine problems, and how do I troubleshoot them?
1. Regular nut and bolt check
This should be done at least once a month. Grab your socket set or wrenches and go over each and every bolt, ensuring they are tight. Replace worn or stripped fasteners as soon as possible.
2. Check brake pads and rotors
This should be a check carried out every time you ride. Check the compound depth left on your brake pads and the overall health of the rotors. Excessively worn pads and rotors could be lethal if not replaced in time. Replacing pads is relatively straightforward on most new bikes merely requiring the removal of a single pin and dropping in new pads. Rotors are a little more difficult to remove if the wheel is removed. If you have any doubts about taking on the task yourself, a visit to your nearest bike workshop will be in order.
3. Regular oil check
Another critical task that is very easy to do is a visual oil check and top-up if needed. The filler cap is readily accessible on almost all bikes and takes only three minutes.
4. Regular coolant check
Although the coolant reservoir on your bike may not be easily accessible or visible, you should make an attempt to inspect it visually and refill it if necessary, especially in our hot African climate.
5. Chain maintenance
The final drive of your motorcycle is the most prominent maintenance task. Chains must be properly maintained and lubricated after every few rides, even more so after rain or when dirty roads are encountered. Belt and shaft drive bikes don't require much maintenance but should also be checked regularly for excessive wear.
6. Regular tyre inspection
The tyres on your motorcycle are a much softer compound than car tyres and, therefore, tend to wear out much faster, even more so if you ride aggressively and lean on them in corners. Alternatively, if you do not ride regularly, the rubber can oxidise over time, compromising the integrity of the tyre construction. You should regularly check your tyres for degradation, splits, feathering and date of manufacturing. If you have any doubts about your tyre's health, rather replace them. Regular checks can also reveal punctures or other road damage that may go unnoticed in daily riding.
7. Regular lever and cable check
It is highly advisable to check your lever and cable setup regularly for excessive wear and lubrication, as a stuck level or cable can be deadly at the most inopportune time. Lubricate cables and tighten levers to prevent a potentially fatal failure.
8. Battery health
If you do not ride your bike regularly, you may want to invest in a battery tender to maintain your bike's battery during off-season times. Also, keep in mind that older-style lead-acid/gel batteries have a finite lifespan and will need to be replaced every few years.
9. Suspension check
A cursory check of the chrome sections of your suspension system for oil drips or leaks can alert you to oncoming suspension failure and forewarn you of the need to replace seals.
10. Cleaning
One of the most satisfying maintenance tasks you can do is giving your beloved bike a spa day, scrubbing off all that road muck and returning its shine. Not only does this leave your bike shiny and fresh but also goes a long way to preventing early corrosion and wear.
